This year, Akwandze Agricultural Finance celebrates 20 years of investing in the growth and prosperity of Nkomazi’s small-scale growers and the communities they support. The name Akwandze means growth and abundance, a fitting reflection of an organisation that has spent two decades helping growers access the finance, technical support and infrastructure they need to build
In 1987, 52 women in Mangweni, Mpumalanga, faced a challenge that would have been easy to accept as their reality. They were unemployed, without land and struggling to provide for their families, while many of their children were experiencing malnutrition. Instead, they asked a different question: what could they build if they were given an
What if the next big idea starts with building something completely new? That was the thinking behind a major investment by RCL FOODS’ Pies business to create a new facility that would help us do more than make pies today. It would give us the technology, skills and space to develop what comes next. Today,
#StrongHer: Lorraine Bvuma – Paving the way Growing up in the village of Shihoko, outside Tzaneen, Lorraine Bvuma never questioned whether she would help support her family. It was simply what everyone did. As the third of six children, she learnt from a young age that responsibility was part of everyday life. While her father
#StrongHer: Christabel Hlatshwayo – Choosing purpose over pain Every morning, before the workday began, Christabel Hlatshwayo would pull over at the cemetery. For months after losing her 13-year-old son to bone marrow cancer, it became part of her routine. She would stand quietly beside his grave, gather herself, and then continue to the office. It
The woman who opens doors: Betty Bila Maintenance Administrator | Bread, Buns & Rolls, Bushbuckridge “Sometimes what feels small to you can change everything for someone else.” There are people who chase opportunities, and then there are people who create them for others. Spend just a few minutes talking to Betty Bila and you’ll quickly
Baking brighter futures through Siyabhaka Inside bakeries across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, a new group of young South Africans are learning far more than the science of baking. They are stepping into opportunity, gaining confidence and building futures shaped by skill, mentorship and real industry experience. Through the Siyabhaka Academy Learnership Programme, RCL FOODS continues to
Humans of RCL FOODS: Cancer didn’t write the ending For as long as she can remember, cancer has been part of Cally Frylinck’s family story. Her grandmother died from breast cancer. Years later, her grandfather lost his battle with melanoma. Other relatives would face their own diagnoses too. Cancer wasn’t something the family heard about
As a business, our impact is rooted in a simple belief: when people are supported, heard, and empowered, they thrive, and so does the business. That is why we continue to create intentional spaces that strengthen connection, encourage openness, and support the holistic well-being of our people. Across our operations, we are seeing a meaningful
For years, the Selati Cup has been recognised as a platform for local soccer talent in Nkomazi. Today, that impact is increasingly being seen in the women’s game, where young players are stepping onto bigger stages and proving what is possible. The women’s division of the tournament continues to grow, with nine women’s teams currently
Schools are places where futures are shaped, potential is nurtured, and hope takes root. Yet for countless learners across South Africa, challenges such as limited resources and unreliable access to electricity continue to impact the learning environment and the opportunities available to them. It is against this backdrop that Sunbake’s annual Back-To-School campaign once again
In the heart of Nkomazi, where communities are tightly woven and talent runs deep, the Selati Cup has returned once again. Not just as a tournament, but as a powerful force that continues to shape lives, livelihoods and local pride. Each year, the competition brings together football clubs from across the region. But behind the
Stella Mthembu: Growing What Matters, across generations Before Stella Mthembu ever led within the business, RCL FOODS was already part of her family’s journey. From her father working in the animal feed division, to her schooling being supported through industry initiatives linked to our Sugar business, and even the community she grew up in being
Chef Brad: The long road to great ideas Some people run to clear their minds. Chef Brad runs to fill his. Seventeen Comrades Marathons. Twenty 100-milers. Distances that most people struggle to imagine. Yet for Brad, endurance has always been part of the rhythm of life. The same quiet determination that carries him through hundreds
RCL FOODS signs agreement to acquire Martin & Martin (Pty) Ltd Tuesday, 31 March 2026 RCL FOODS and Martin & Martin (Pty) Ltd are pleased to announce that RCL FOODS has signed a binding sale agreement with Simrose Overseas S.A to acquire Martin and Martin (Pty) Ltd for R695 million. Martin & Martin produces and
Bianca Waterman is 24 kilograms lighter than she was a year and a half ago. But that number isn’t where her story starts. It starts with a decision to take her health seriously, and to keep showing up for it, even when life stayed busy. She grew up in Johannesburg and moved into the working world
A celebration of Mzansi creativity: The Be Number 1 art challenge winners On 20 January 2026, the RCL FOODS National Office came alive with colour, movement, and creative energy as the winners of the Be Number 1 Art Challenge were officially announced. The event brought together agency partners, media, internal teams, and the people who helped bring
Before the first shift begins, Vincent Sekeloane is already on the bakery floor. His eyes scan the machines, his hands trace the hum of the line – not only checking that everything runs smoothly, but that everyone working can do their job safely. For Vincent, leadership begins with touch: the steady hands of an artisan
The Professional Bakers Choice Since 1919 Supreme’s story begins over a century ago, grounded in the belief that great baking starts with great ingredients…and grows with great people. Established in 1919, the brand has become one of the country’s most loved and trusted wheat flour brands, known for its consistency, quality and expertise across generations
She speaks so others may rise: The Story of Daphney Mohlala From the quiet streets of small town in Mpumalanga, emerges a voice that carries far beyond its borders – a voice of courage, faith, and renewal. This is the story of Daphney Mohlala, a mother, a wife, a devoted member of the Zion Christian
The quiet strength that changed everything…How Tanya Esson found her voice Tanya Esson, Packaging Manager for Groceries in Randfontein, knows what it means to rebuild a life. She has risen from a place of fear and uncertainty into a space of confidence and purpose. A year and a half ago, Tanya describes herself as someone who
From poverty to purpose: Gent’s legacy of hard work, faith and family When Gent speaks, his words carry the quiet weight of someone who has lived through more than most…and emerged not only stronger but deeply determined to uplift those around him. He is a man shaped by hardship, grounded by faith, and driven by
One man, many missions: The story of Phillip Ngomane If you ask Phillip Ngomane what drives him, he won’t say success, recognition, or rewards. He’ll say “mandate.” “Once you give me a mandate,” he says, “you’ve trusted me to make it happen. No excuses.” It’s this deep sense of duty to his family, his team,
Molatek: Fuelling the Future of Farming since 1985 Born out of adversity and built on innovation, Molatek has become one of South Africa’s most trusted names in nutrition for cattle, sheep and goats. With the brand celebrating its 40th birthday on the 9th of September, we’re reflecting on four decades of dedication to excellence, growth, and partnership within
Rising together: empowered women, empowered futures At RCL FOODS, we don’t see empowerment as a buzzword, we see it as action. As opportunity. As support that’s felt and purpose that’s shared. When women rise, businesses move forward and so do the communities around them. Across RCL FOODS, women are building careers, breaking barriers, and discovering purpose,
When Sashen Moodley tells you he’s not the same person he once was, he means it – mind, body, and spirit. It’s not just a metaphorical shift; it’s a full transformation. And if you ever happen to see an old photo of him, be prepared for a joke: “That’s my brother.” Because the man he
There’s something incredibly powerful about applying for a job on its closing day – when your hope is hanging by a thread, hundreds of applications have been handed in and your heart is already preparing for another “no.” That’s where Fhumalani Netshirenwe found herself the day she came across a role at RCL FOODS on
At RCL FOODS, we believe that growing a better future starts with growing people — and there’s no better place to begin than in our schools. That’s why we’ve proudly partnered with Citizen Leader Lab on the Leaders for Education programme — an initiative focused on equipping school principals with the leadership tools they need
The final whistle has blown, and another unforgettable Selati Cup has left its mark on Nkomazi. This soccer tournament, sponsored by RCL FOODS Sugar operations, has become a cornerstone of local sports development, nurturing young talent and fostering community spirit. Since launching in 2005, the Selati Cup has grown into more than just a soccer
Disability didn’t stop her. It shaped her. Before the first truck pulls out. Before the depot hums to life. Before the sun spills over Lephalale, Polokwane – Phyllis Mamabolo is already at work. By 4am, she’s on her feet. Arranging and rearranging crates, checking stock sheets and making sure every dispatch runs like clockwork at